I sometimes wonder how human beings made it as far as we have! The Italian culture was heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic church, which reveres religious symbols as holy relics, and any insult to these symbols was an insult to the faith. since bread is the body of Christ, it's disrespectful (to leave Jesus on his head that is) Follow that up with never stick a knife into a loaf of bread which obviously doesn't include cutting it. Intrepid Italian was created with YOU in mind. Putting a hat on a bed is considered unlucky because its associated with death. When making a toast in Italy, its considered unlucky to do it with water. 9 reasons youre not fluentYET & how to fix it. Thats one instance where people are wrong who say its the thought that counts. Just thought you might want to know. This superstition is similar to gifting a knife to a friend, but in this case, the superstition is that the knife will sever the love between the couple.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'sharpyknives_com-netboard-1','ezslot_17',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-netboard-1-0'); Many people take this superstition further and will not give a knife as a wedding gift to avoid it becoming a problem for the couples relationship. But because they have played such a central role in the lives of millions of people, its not surprising that interesting knife traditions and knife superstitions have developed over the years. The quintessential Italian American superstition: the Evil Eye (Malocchio) The Evil Eye, or Malocchio, is one of the most ancient and widesrpead superstitions of the whole Mediterranean basin, so no wonder it also became a well known Italian American superstition.. Every culture seems to have their own version of the Evil Eye and their own ways to fight it. superstitions old wives tales house home - Almanac The best part is that you have lifetime access so you learn anytime, anywhere and on any device. Unusual, unique, and uncommon facts about a diversity of subjects: Superstitions: old wives tales, folklore, bizarre beliefs, taboos, omens, lucky & unlucky things Superstition A to L includes Friday the Thirteenth Superstition M to Z Death Superstition Dreams : Meanings & Superstitions Wedding Superstition Superstitions A - L The origin of this saying is medieval and religious: in the Gospels, Friday is in fact the day of Jesus crucifixion and its reserved for penance. This is just a sample of the many unique Italian traditions and superstitions. #2: Sticking a knife into a cradle's headboard is believed to protect the baby. People get around this superstition by taping a penny to the blade (or in the box or card). You should avoid eating anything with wings on New Year's Day because it is believed your good luck will "fly away" with your meal. 17 Weird Italian Superstitions Italians ACTUALLY Live By Superstition runs deep in the Italian upbringing. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'sharpyknives_com-portrait-2','ezslot_20',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-portrait-2-0');Anglo-Saxon warriors held their weapons in high regard; without them, they were vulnerable and weak. Vediamole insieme! When it comes to toasting, there are several things that can cause you to have bad luck. Ladies, dont get any ideas with this one! These items were very expensive way back when and it is said that spilling them would bring bad luck. Italian for Confident Conversations (A2-B2), Italian culture to learn 18 weird things that Italian, Intrepid Italian for Advanced Beginners (A2), Italian Culture: 19 Weird Things Italians Do That No One Warns You About, 8 DEADLY mistakes in Italian (& How to Avoid Them), 20 Hilarious Everyday Italian Expressions You Should Use, Romanesco: 25 Cool Roman Dialect Words You Should Use in Rome, 10 Reasons Why Learning Italian Will Change Your Life, 10 Italian Expressions Italians Love Saying, 10 Italian Phrases That Will Instantly Make You Sound more Italian. Download your free PDF guide with 125 Italian travel phrases. The specific ways we do things, such as setting the table for guests or placing our eating utensils on the plate after a meal, have their roots in old-time superstitions. Egyptian women pinch the bride on her wedding day for good luck. Walk around it, in front of it, behind it, but not under. So, its accepted practice in many cultures, even today, to include a coin with your gifted knife. Initiation ritual (mafia) - Wikipedia Find out more in the article below:All Knife Sharpening Stones Types Explained & Compared. The fear that the eye could carry negative influences has been associated from time to time over the centuries with cross-eyed people, gypsies, red-haired people, men who wore dark glasses, etc., often creating discrimination and racist prejudices. Dropping things: someone is thinking of you. Its believed that black cats are a symbol of witchcraft and the devil. Italian-American Superstitions The Evil Eye: Malacchio While jealousy exists in all cultures, Malacchio is a curse that can be put on a person without even meaning to. Whoever opened an umbrella in the house did not pay respect to the Sun God and so would risk bringing misfortune to their family. This superstition is based on an old religious fact that bread is considered a symbol of life. Kissing the Blarney Stone. Cin cin! or (alla) salute!, is what you say in Italian when making a toast. During the sixth century, it was tradition to congratulate people who sneezed because people then believed that sneezing helped expel evil from their bodies. In order to ward off tempted fates of this "jinx," Italians extend their pinkie and index finger, while holding the others down. Another good reason to not eat chicken or turkey on New Year's Day is that . If now a mere mortal was to know you in the same way, her will surely die! In this way the sailors were guaranteed that no other males would touch their virgins! If the knife falls and points towards land, the fisherman will not catch anything the next time he goes fishing. Eighteenth and Ninteenth Century British Merchant Sailors were known to pry nails out of the ships, because South Pacific Islanders would trade absolutely anything for them. 64 Chinese Superstitions for Good Luck | LoveToKnow A small coin is the most popular "payment" given. Thats because a knife given as a gift can symbolically cut the relationship. This website also participates in Google Adsense. The true origins of the myth seem to be lost to time, but the meaning of the superstition makes perfect sense. For more tips, visit my guide on Italian culture to learn 18 weird things that Italian do that no one warns you about. And, there you have it--twenty-six beautiful representations of what it means to revere knives (perhaps a little too much?!) If you find yourself sitting at a dinner table with 12 other people, then consider yourself unlucky. Irish Folklore: Traditional Beliefs and Superstitions - Owlcation Thrusting it into the door of a house is also believed to provide protection. Lucky & Unlucky numbers. When youre in Italy, you should be careful when pouring olive oil on your salad, you dont want to be cursed by spilling it! It is believed that if you or someone else accidentally brushes your feet with a broom while sweeping the floor, you will never get married! Frog's spawn thrown over the left shoulder for good luck. A toast is always done with champagne or wine. Youll go from a shy, confused beginner to a proficient and confident intermediate speaker, with me as your trusty guide. 1. #17: One old wives' tales about white-handled knives is that they can tell you if your future spouse will be dark or fair by spinning it around. medianet_width = "600";
Like what you see? #12: Getting a knife as a gift from your lover means that your love will soon end. A cup of basil tea after dinner helps digestion. Many other cultures followed similar traditions and buried warriors with swords, knives, lances, and shields. Please check your inbox to confirm your email. Lets have a look at the top 5 most famous superstitions still used today in Italy! Knife superstitions have been credited with breaking friendships or even the simple solution for getting a good nights sleep. If someone handed the knife to you closed, you should hand it back closed to avoid bad luck. Theres even a lovely rhyme to help you remember: stir with a knife and stir up strife. 5 Italian superstitions you probably never heard of! Thirteen common (but silly) superstitions to savor - NBC News #8: Some knife owners believe that you never truly own a knife unless it has "bitten" you (tasted your blood). When your nose itches, it's either "pugni o baci," punches or kisses. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-leader-2','ezslot_6',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-leader-2-0');This implies that if you find a pocket knife lying about that someone else has opened it, you should not close it. The Wickedness Eye (Malocchio) The Evil Eye is of the most ancient superstitions in Italy. Did you know that in Brazil its bad luck to let your wallet or purse hit the floor, as it means youll lose money? In Spain its Tuesday the 13th you should be worried about! #15: In Finland, a knife given as a gift is a sign of respect. A rabbit's foot will bring. Also, never stir anything, like a stew or soup, with your knife. So, if this happens to you, dont panic, something good will probably happen to you! If they do, they risk attracting a more handsome rival who will steal their beloved away forever. Thrusting it into the door of a house is also believed to provide protection. Why do we give somebody a coin when they give us a knife as a gift? Learn how your comment data is processed. If someone does give you a knife as a wedding gift, you are supposed to give the gift-giver a penny in return so it is considered a "purchase." 7. Handing an open pocket knife to another person is considered a no-no because you will receive lousy luck in return.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_12',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); This belief probably arose from someone handing over an open pocket knife and accidentally cutting the other person n the process. What are your knife idiosyncrasies or superstitions?
Like what you see? #12: Getting a knife as a gift from your lover means that your love will soon end. A cup of basil tea after dinner helps digestion. Many other cultures followed similar traditions and buried warriors with swords, knives, lances, and shields. Please check your inbox to confirm your email. Lets have a look at the top 5 most famous superstitions still used today in Italy! Knife superstitions have been credited with breaking friendships or even the simple solution for getting a good nights sleep. If someone handed the knife to you closed, you should hand it back closed to avoid bad luck. Theres even a lovely rhyme to help you remember: stir with a knife and stir up strife. 5 Italian superstitions you probably never heard of! Thirteen common (but silly) superstitions to savor - NBC News #8: Some knife owners believe that you never truly own a knife unless it has "bitten" you (tasted your blood). When your nose itches, it's either "pugni o baci," punches or kisses. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-leader-2','ezslot_6',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-leader-2-0');This implies that if you find a pocket knife lying about that someone else has opened it, you should not close it. The Wickedness Eye (Malocchio) The Evil Eye is of the most ancient superstitions in Italy. Did you know that in Brazil its bad luck to let your wallet or purse hit the floor, as it means youll lose money? In Spain its Tuesday the 13th you should be worried about! #15: In Finland, a knife given as a gift is a sign of respect. A rabbit's foot will bring. Also, never stir anything, like a stew or soup, with your knife. So, if this happens to you, dont panic, something good will probably happen to you! If they do, they risk attracting a more handsome rival who will steal their beloved away forever. Thrusting it into the door of a house is also believed to provide protection. Why do we give somebody a coin when they give us a knife as a gift? Learn how your comment data is processed. If someone does give you a knife as a wedding gift, you are supposed to give the gift-giver a penny in return so it is considered a "purchase." 7. Handing an open pocket knife to another person is considered a no-no because you will receive lousy luck in return.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_12',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); This belief probably arose from someone handing over an open pocket knife and accidentally cutting the other person n the process. What are your knife idiosyncrasies or superstitions?